T1: Palliative & EOL Care Flashcards
(52 cards)
palliative care
Care or treatment focusing on reducing the severity of symptoms
hospice care
LESS THAN 6 MONTHS TO LIVE, comfort care
Indication for Palliative
diagnosis of a life-limiting illness
death occurs when
all vital organs/body systems cease to function
irreversible cessation of cardiovascular, respiratory, and BRAIN FUNCTION
what can help determine brain death
EEG or Neuro Assessment
goals of end of life
-Provide comfort and supportive care during dying process
-Improve quality of remaining life
-Help ensure a dignified death
-Provide emotional support to family
end of life
as the period of time during which an individual copes with declining health from a terminal illness or from the frailties associated with advanced age even if death is not clearly imminent.
at end of life, metabolism is
decreased
end of life physical manifestations: respiratory system
-Irregular breathing that gradually slows
-Cheyne-Stokes respiration
-Inability to cough or clear secretions
(Grunting, gurgling, or noisy congested breathing (“death rattle”)
death rattle
Noisy, wet-sounding respirations, or terminal secretions, are caused by mouth breathing and accumulation of mucus in the airways.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
a pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing.
end of life physical manifestations: heating and touch
-Hearing is usually last sense to disappear
-Decreased sensation
-Decreased perception of pain and touch
end of life physical manifestations: taste, smell, sight
-Blurring of vision
-Blink reflex absent
-Patient appears to stare
-Eyelids remain half-open
-Decreased sense of taste and smell
end of life physical manifestations: integumentary system
-Mottling on hands, feet, arms, and legs
-Cold, clammy skin
-Cyanosis of nose, nail beds, knees
-“Waxlike” skin when very near death
end of life physical manifestations: urinary system
-Gradual decrease in urinary output
-Incontinent of urine
-Unable to urinate
end of life physical manifestations: GI system
-Slowing of digestive tract
-Accumulation of gas
-Distention and nausea
-Loss of sphincter control
-Bowel movement may occur before imminent death or at the time of death
end of life physical manifestations: musculoskeletal
-Gradual loss of ability to move
-Trouble holding body posture and alignment
-Loss of facial muscle tone
-Sagging of jaw
-Difficulty speaking
-Loss of gag reflex
-Swallowing can become more difficult
end of life physical manifestations: cardiovascular system
-Increased heart rate
-Decreased BP
-Later slowing and weakening of pulse
uIrregular rhythm
-Delayed absorption of IM or SQ drugs
Psychosocial Manifestations at End of Life
-Anxiety and fear
-Life review
-Peacefulness
-Saying goodbyes
-Withdrawal
spiritual needs
The patient’s and family’s preferences related to spiritual guidance or pastoral care services should be assessed, and appropriate referrals made.
Kubler-Ross stages of grief
denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance
Decisional capacity refers to
the ability to consent or refuse care
Organ and Tissue Donation
Any body part or the entire body may be donated
-Decided by a person before death
-With family permission after death
full code
refers to use of complete and total heroic measures including CPR, drugs, and mechanical ventilation